03:18 sam-houston Saturday 17th January 2026

CARBONE (3) started at 8/1 last time and ran below expectations, finishing eighth and beaten 6 lengths at Oaklawn Park (Dirt) over 6f after being prominent at the turn. The engagement of Erik Asmussen is a positive move. This is a nice drop in grade so he is one of the main contenders. BAD BEAT BRIAN (4) had been rock-solid with three placings in a row before finishing fourth over 5½f at Churchill Downs last start. Has good early toe so he should be handy in the run. Among the leading chances. BLUE LIGHT (6) is struggling to break through but has been around the mark lately, last start finishing fourth over 6½f at Remington Park (Dirt). Among the chances again. BALSA (2) hasn't been able to break through for an extended period, the latest effort a 12th over 6½f at Churchill Downs (Dirt) after he got a long way back in the run. Good enough on his day and can run a bold race.